On Friday, July 24, 2026, our beloved mother, Lydia Cantu Rodriguez, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Surrounded by the love of her family, she peacefully passed away at PAM Health Specialty Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, at the age of 84.

Lydia was born on May 26, 1942, in Eagle Pass, Texas, to Hilario and Minerva Cantu. She spent her childhood alongside her brothers and sisters, enjoying simple pleasures such as swimming, fishing, and playing games. Growing up in an agricultural family, Lydia traveled throughout South Central Texas as her father managed farming operations. From an early age, she learned the value of hard work and was known for her energetic spirit and willingness to help her family in the fields. She often fondly recalled the laughter and fun she shared with her siblings, including mischievously tossing rotten vegetables at one another while working.

Lydia dedicated many years of service to the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District, where she lovingly prepared homemade meals for generations of students. She took great pride in her work and retired after a long and fulfilling career.

Above all, Lydia was a devoted woman of faith. She loved her family unconditionally and was one of our family's strongest prayer warriors. Her kindness, compassion, generosity, and unwavering love touched everyone who knew her. She faithfully lived out her Christian values and set an example of humility, perseverance, and service that will continue to inspire her family for generations to come.

Lydia is lovingly survived by her children, Ysabel "J.R." Rodriguez and Debbie Anders, Ralph Rodriguez and his wife, Susan; stepchildren Flavio Rodriguez, Josefina Garcia and her husband, Lionel Garcia Sr., Angelita Garcia, and Juanita Garcia; grandchildren Amber (Nikki) Aguilar, Jason Rodriguez, Jessica Bevins, Melissa Pigg, Kyle Yancey, Haley Cortinas, Ermelinda Enriquez, Pablo Rodriguez Jr., Olga Castillo, Terry Sosa, Susana Barrera, Robert Zambrano, Lionel Garcia Jr., Rachel Garcia Arreola, Carmen Martinez, Alice Caballero, Joe Anthony Garcia, Veronica Garcia Vela, and Daniel Garcia; numerous great-grandchildren; and her only surviving sibling, Angelina Rodriguez.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ysabel Rodriguez Sr.; her stepson, Pablo Rodriguez; her parents, Hilario and Minerva Cantu; and her siblings, Lucia (Lucy) Garcia, Edward Cantu, Hilario (Larry) Cantu, David Cantu, Esperanza (Hope) DeLeon, Amelia (Amy) Campa, and Minerva Alvarado.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the clergy and parish family of Good Shepherd Catholic Church for their prayers, love, compassion, and unwavering support during this difficult time.

Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we rejoice knowing that Lydia's faith has become sight. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, strength, and selfless devotion to her family. She will be deeply missed as a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, but her memory and the lessons she taught us will remain in our hearts forever.

A Visitation for Lydia will be held at Schertz Funeral Home on Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM with The Recitation of the Holy Rosary beginning at 7:00 PM. A Funeral Mass will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd on Friday, August 7, 2026 at 11:30 AM, followed by a Graveside Service at Holy Cross Catholic Cemetery.